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If you receive a phone call, you might feel a bit cautious about answering nowadays, and this is not without reason.
Scammers often use various tactics to deceive individuals.
Numerous scammers attempt to acquire your money or personal details over the phone and they will not hesitate to call unsuspecting victims personally.
Therefore, it is advisable to be careful. Here are possible indications that a phone call may be a scam.
Unexpected calls:
If you receive a call out of the blue from an unknown number, especially claiming to be a government agency or financial institution, be cautious.
Pressure tactics:
Scammers often create a sense of urgency or use highpressure tactics to force you into making quick decisions.
If you receive a call out of the blue from an unknown number, especially when claiming you have to respond urgently and immediately, be cautious.
Threats of legal action:
Fraudulent callers may threaten legal consequences or law enforcement action if you do not comply with their demands.
Asking for personal information:
Legitimate organisations usually do not ask for sensitive information over the phone.
Be sceptical if they request personal details like passwords, PINs, or bank account information.
Unsolicited prize winnings:
Be wary of calls claiming you have won a prize or lottery especially if you know you did not enter any competitions.
Too-good-to-be-true offers:
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers that promise significant benefits.
Unusual caller ID information:
Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to appear as though they are calling from a reputable source.
Unusual number prefix:
Some fraudulent calls may have unusual or suspicious number prefixes. Be aware.
Poor grammar and pronunciation:
Scammers may not have a good command of the language, leading to poor grammar and pronunciation.
Refusal to provide information:
Legitimate organisations will usually provide their contact details and information about their company.
If the caller refuses to do so, be suspicious.
Unsolicited tech support calls:
Be cautious of calls claiming to be from tech support, especially if you didn't request assistance.
Request for payment via untraceable methods:
Scammers often ask for payment via untraceable methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Call back scams:
Be cautious if you receive a missed call from an unknown international number.
Returning the call might result in high charges.
Background Noise:
Scam calls may have a lot of background noise or echo, indicating they could be calling from a call center.
Phishing for Information:
Fraudsters may engage in casual conversation to extract personal information without raising suspicion.
Threats of disconnection:
Some scams involve threatening to disconnect services unless immediate payment is made.
Unsolicited investment opportunities:
Be sceptical of unsolicited calls offering investment opportunities, especially if they guarantee high returns.
Fake charity appeals:
Scammers may pose as representatives of charitable organisations, asking for donations over the phone.
The caller claims to be from a government agency:
Fraudulent calls may claim to be from government agencies, threatening legal consequences to scare you into compliance.
Inconsistencies in information:
If the caller provides inconsistent information or changes details during the conversation, it is a red flag.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES:
To protect yourself from phone scams, consider implementing the following safety measures:
Be sceptical of unknown numbers: o Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers.
Let them go to voicemail, and if it is important, the caller will likely leave a message.
Verify caller identity:
Ask for the caller's name, organisation, and contact details.
Verify their identity through official channels before providing any information.
Do not share personal information:
Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords, PINs, social security numbers, or banking details over the phone, especially with unsolicited callers.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA):
Enable 2FA on your accounts whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
Use call-blocking apps:
Install call-blocking apps on your smartphone to help filter out known scam numbers.
Educate yourself:
Stay informed about common phone scams and tactics used by scammers.
Awareness is a key defence.
Verify unsolicited offers:
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially if they seem too good to be true.
Verify such offers through official channels.
Ignore robocalls:
If you receive a recorded message prompting you to press a number or speak to an operator, hang up. Legitimate organizations typically do not contact individuals in this manner.
Be cautious with caller ID:
Do not solely rely on caller ID information, as it can be manipulated by scammers.
Secure personal information:
Keep personal information secure and avoid sharing it on social media platforms.
Use a separate email for accounts:
Consider using a separate email address for your accounts to minimise the risk of phishing attempts.
Regularly check financial statements:
Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unauthorised transactions.
Register on Do-Not-Call lists:
Register your phone number on the national "Do Not Call" registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.
Stay informed about scams:
Keep yourself updated on the latest scams and fraud tactics circulating in your area.
Verify charity calls:
If a charity calls for donations, research the organisation independently and donate directly through their official website.
Use strong passwords:
Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts to prevent unauthorised access.
Report suspicious calls:
Report suspicious calls to relevant authorities.
Educate family members:
Share information about common scams with friends and family to ensure they are also aware and can protect themselves.
Install security software:
Install reputable security software on your smartphone to help detect and block potential threats.
Trust your instincts:
If something feels off during a call, trust your instincts.
Hang up and verify the information independently before taking any action.
Remember to trust your instincts and verify the legitimacy of the call through official channels before taking any action. If in doubt, hang up and contact the organisation directly using official contact information.
By being vigilant and implementing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phone scams.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group. This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
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